The do-or-die clash between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025 turned into a pace-bowling masterclass, thanks to Nuwan Thushara’s fiery opening spell. Played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi , this Group B encounter carried high stakes as both teams fought for a Super 4 berth. Afghanistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat, soon found themselves in deep trouble against Thushara’s slingy pace and deadly swing.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz falls in the third over
Afghanistan’s hopes of a strong start rested on Rahmanullah Gurbaz, but his lean patch continued. On the very first ball of the third over, Thushara produced a clever slower delivery. Gurbaz, looking to force the pace, advanced down the track and attempted to hit through the line. However, the ball held up off the surface, taking the outside edge. Positioned smartly at short third, Kusal Perera completed a sharp catch above his head. Credit also went to Charith Asalanka, who had placed the fielder in a fly-slip-like position. This wicket gave Sri Lanka the breakthrough they desperately needed after Dushmantha Chameera’s expensive opening over.
Nuwan Thushara dismisses Karim Janat with a beauty
If Gurbaz’s dismissal lifted Sri Lanka’s spirits, what followed left fans stunned. Off the last ball of the same over, Thushara delivered an absolute peach to remove Karim Janat. Bowling from a good length around off and middle, the ball swung away sharply after pitching. Janat, rooted to the crease, failed to cover the movement. Beaten comprehensively on the outside edge, he watched in despair as the ball clattered into his off-stump. The dismissal highlighted Thushara’s unique slingy action and his ability to generate movement at pace. The video of the delivery, now viral, showcased why commentators termed it an unplayable ‘jaffa.’
Here’s the video:
Things more beautiful than this? Almost nothing 😍
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Also WATCH: Asia Cup 2025 – Kusal Perera’s stunning grab sends Darwish Rasooli packing in SL vs AFG clash
Thushara wasn’t done yet. Returning for his next over, he produced another gem to dismiss Sediqullah Atal. This time, it was a fuller ball that swung in late. Atal misjudged the movement and left a gap between bat and pad while attempting a drive. The ball sneaked through and rattled the stumps, leaving Afghanistan reeling with three top-order wickets gone in no time. Thushara’s celebration, arms raised in triumph, reflected both his confidence and Sri Lanka’s resurgence in the contest.
Also WATCH: Kusal Perera grabs a screamer to remove Rahmanullah Gurbaz in SL vs AFG game
